Empires use of people for their agenda
You cannot speak about so called dissidents and supposed human rights violation in Cuba without taking into account a historical perspective; the discussion cannot ignore the historical context in which it is associated with.
History clearly demonstrates that throughout time there have always existed those persons who, because of their weak resolve, and because of their own cynicism and selfishness, have placed their interests before the interests and desires of their own people. Cooperating fully with foreign powers and their allies, not caring how many are slaughtered and oppressed in the process; knowing fully well that by serving foreign powers and their interests they are serving their masters subjugate their own people.
Empires have traditionally used these people, making accommodations and deals with them. Making them part of the exploitation process, they are rewarded handsomely with power and riches. There have always been and always will be those who would sell their people and their souls for a pot of gold.
When the Romans wanted to liquidate the Germanic tribes to stop invasions coming from the north, ages ago, what did they do? They bought off the king of the fiercest tribe with jewels and gold, forming an alliance with him. After the king eliminated all the competing tribes - serving his purpose and the empire's purpose - he and his tribe was summoned to a place where they would be handsomely rewarded. What did Rome do? The legions set a trap and brutally liquidated the whole tribe.
The British while holding India as a colony used Indian soldiers to carry out their orders; to basically keep the status quo and to protect their interests. I remember as a kid watching Gunda Din and how I admired the heroism of this character. What a hogwash; was I taken by the imperialist masters. This character, Gunda Din is nothing but a dog serving his British master. Of course I should have realized a long time ago that the author Rudyard Kipling was just doing his job perpetuating British control and British myth - just as all empires do - that they are the good guys; that all they are doing is civilizing the world for freedom and democracy - in their way of course.
The British are not the only ones to use these tactics, for over the course of history, these same tactics and maneuvers have been used, to mention a few, by the German, French and Spanish imperialists.
The U.S. has followed in the steps of all empires before it, buying off people and using them against their own people. The most classic example of how traitors cooperated fully with their executioners occurred, at the time, when the U.S. was waging a brutal campaign of genocide against the native Indians. While the US was wiping out tribes, going out in a killing spree there were Indians who served the army. Serving as not only as scouts but serving as advisors they helped uncle Sam massacre men, women and children.
In the history of Cuba, there has always existed a hardcore pro U.S. element. When the US intervened in Cuba's war of independence, back in '98, and implemented the Platt amendment, there were those who not only welcomed the intervention but cooperated fully with the occupying force.
This corrupt element has always existed forming through the years allegiances with U.S. politicians, mafia bosses and the greedy corrupt businessman. This element welcomed the neocolonial status of Cuba; some of them went as far as dreaming that someday Cuba would become a colony like Puerto Rico is today; or even a state of the U.S.
All the Cuban presidents in yesterday's Cuba - pre 59 - and those in the hierarchy, the corrupt senators, the corrupt union officials were puppets of the U.S. empire. All were serving the interests of Uncle Sam; swaying and swooning at anything he did; obeying shamelessly all his dictates and and whims. This was all done at the detriment of the Cuban people.
It took approximately six decades before a second war of independence led by Fidel Castro to truly liberate Cuba from it's neocolonial status and to oust this pro US corrupt element from power.
Most of this element is now concentrated in Miami. They are extremely right wing and pro US. in nature. To me they represent those people who throughout history have sold out their souls to the highest bidder - in this case uncle Sam. They do not represent Cuba but rather represent their own interests and the interests of their masters.